Top 5 Signs

1. Your bank is being acquired or merged (the takeover scenario)
2. You feel like just another number instead of a person - research shows one of the top reasons customers leave is poor service or not feeling valued.
3. Your digital, fee or product experience isn’t keeping pace - consumers report switching because of limited digital features, high fees, or better product offers elsewhere.
4. Your bank’s local community commitment seems to be fading -when local decision-making, local reinvestment or a community-centric culture starts to shift, that can be a signal you may be losing the benefits of a true community bank.
5. You’re not sure you’re being listened to, or your values aren’t aligned - whether it’s transparency on fees, alignment around local values, or a trusted advisor who knows you by name: these matter. Research indicates trust and value alignment are key.

In a world of consolidations, digital disruption and shifting priorities, the banking relationship you entered may not look the same today. That’s okay and realizing it can be your opportunity to stay in the driver's seat!

Let's explore…

1. A bank buy-out isn’t just change - it’s a moment to pause. When your institution is purchased or merged, service patterns, decision-makers, mobile experience or local structure may shift. That doesn’t mean you’re locked in…in fact, it’s a moment of choice. Ask: will my trusted people still be there? Will decisions still be made locally? Will the culture I value stay intact?

2. Feeling like a number? That’s a signal. Research shows one of the biggest reasons people switch banks is that they don’t feel valued, or they don’t get strong service. If your calls go into deep menus, your branch feels distant, or your advisor is gone, it’s worth raising the question: am I still in the kind of banking relationship I intended when I signed up?

3. Digital, fees or product experience slipping? Your financial life evolves, and so should your bank. Studies find many leave because of outdated digital tools, rising fees or competitor banks offering better products. Ask: is my bank keeping pace with my expectations? Are hidden fees creeping in? Is the platform making things easier or more complex?

4. Is the local market still a priority? One of the benefits of a community-anchored bank is that decisions are made in your market, profits get reinvested in your community, and the people serving you know you and your region. If your bank is becoming more distant, less visible locally, that may mean you’re missing the community bank advantage.

5. Are your values still aligned? Trust, transparency, purpose and community matter. Research shows that consumers place high importance on a bank they trust, that protects their data and shares their values. If you sense a misalignment, whether around transparency, community service, or how decisions are made, it’s a moment to evaluate whether your bank still reflects what you care about.

Take action:
• List what you value most in your bank (local decision-making, people who know you, low surprises, digital ease, community commitment).
• Reflect on your current experience: do you feel heard? Is your bank delivering the features and culture you expect?
• If you see gaps: explore alternatives! Banks that are locally owned, that emphasize relationships, act quickly, deliver trusted solutions with integrity and rise to every occasion.

Why it matters now
With consolidation in the industry, many customers are finding their banking relationships have shifted. But choice remains. You still get to decide where you bank, who you bank with—and how aligned that partner is with your life, business and community.

In closing
Bank relationships evolve. When you sense changes, whether through a acquisition or shifting experience, it’s worth asking: Am I still being served the way I want to be? Does my bank reflect my expectations and values? If the answer is “no” or “maybe”, you have the power to make a thoughtful change. Choose a partner that puts you first, knows your community, values the long-haul relationship and acts with integrity every day.

Want help talking through your current banking relationship or what to look for in one? Reach out, local experts are ready to listen, support you and help you explore your options.